Set “Classic Search” as Default Search Engine Over Desktop Search in XP/2003

This post is more for own benefit because whenever I setup a new system I have to go looking for this setting.

If you have Windows Desktop Search installed but don’t like it being used as the default search option on XP and Windows 2003 you can make a single registry change and be back to the original search. For my use, the indexed search is usually inadequate because I’m typically searching for file types that either aren’t indexed or recently created. Whatever your reason for changing the defaults, here’s the how.

To reconfigure the default search engine, simply flip the bit on the following registry entry from 1 to 0.

The original blog post that I learned this from goes into a little more depth and you can read it here.
How To Default To Search Companion With Windows Desktop Search 3 The original is dated 2006, I do so love old news.